Learning Disability

Assistive Technology

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This definition is broad and includes a range of devices from low technology to high technology items as well as software.

AT offers three major areas of assistance to persons with disability:

• Independent living: AT in this group assists users to lead independent lives, without assistance from other individuals, such as wheelchair, commode, hoist, ramp etc, ambulatory aids etc.

• Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): AT in AAC helps a person with difficulty communicating in getting his message or idea across to others, as well as for others to relate a message or idea to him.

• IT: AT in computer and computer-related accessories help an individual with disability to make use of IT for study, work or leisurely purposes. This area includes both hardware and software.

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Examples of Assistive Technology for persons with Learning Disability

Below are some examples of AT specially designed for persons with Learning Disability:

• Text to voice and word processing software like Write-Out Loud

• Proof-reading software

• Talking calculators

• Portable keyboards for word processing like AlphaSmart

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Places to purchase or enquire about Assistive Technology for persons with Learning Disability

1. Disabled People's Association (DPA)
   Independent Living Centre
   150A Pandan Gardens
   #02-00 Ayer Rajah Day Care Centre
   Singapore 609342
   Tel: 6899 1220
   Fax: 6899 1232
   

2. Singapore Therapeutic, Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies (START) Centre
   49 Kaki Bukit View
   Kaki Bukit TechPark II
   Singapore 415973
   Tel: 6743 0262
   Fax: 6743 0263
   

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